BACKGROUND: Surgical site infections (SSIs) after colon surgery remain a critical safety issue. Patients with an SSI have an increased risk of death, prolonged hospitalization, and increased costs of care. Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is given during the perioperative period to increase blood oxygen delivery, but it is associated with complications, including infection. We hypothesized that RBC transfusion would be associated with increased SSI risk in patients undergoing colon resection surgery.

METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed using the 2014 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program participant use file. Patients who had colon resection surgery were identified using current procedural terminology codes. The association between perioperative RBC transfusion and superficial and deep incisional SSIs, organ space SSIs, and postoperative septic shock was modeled using logistic regression with propensity score analysis.

CONCLUSIONS: RBC transfusion has no apparent association with increased risk for incisional SSIs, but may be associated with increased risk for organ space SSI and septic shock after colon resection surgery.

Testimonials

“As Director of Surgical Services Departments there has been considerable changes have occurred in my department and Anesthesia Experts has always risen to meet our demands of our facility. They have been very pro-active in meeting the increase volumes allowing us to keep our surgeons and patients very satisfied with our services.”

AR BSN 346 beds AL

“Before AE took over the anesthesia department was described by the surgeons as the worst in the history of our hospital. The prior management company was having a cancelled surgery per day. I am happy to report there has not been one since they have taken over the department. Additionally we have seen a 905 reduction if requested preop
lab tests. The anesthesia department is now the very best hospital department in our entire facility.”

DS CEO 272 beds MS

“Anesthesia Experts has provided consistent anesthesia providers who display a high degree of integrity, responsibility and professionalism. They have become a more valuable part of our facility and community.”

LR CEO 150 beds TX

“Even though they are physically located 1000 miles away Anesthesia Experts just does not provide great anesthesia coverage they personally engage surgeons to increase their business. Last year my surgical volume rose by 24% and we are currently 50% ahead of last year and all of that growth is organic.”

JE FACHE CEO AL 92 bed hospital

“Anesthesia Experts is more responsive than anyone I have dealt with. They are available by phone whenever needed and will be on site for any need or request and has been on site to address issues before we can make the request.”

SW CEO 25 beds NM

“While problems are extremely rare when they do occur Anesthesia Experts quickly and professionally implements a solution. Our surgical volume has grown over 100 cases per month and now our GI docs want to perform all of their endoscopies in our hospital instead of their GI lab that they own!”

SP CEO 346 beds AL

“Our anesthesia department was a thorn in my side that kept me awake at night. Anesthesia Experts swept in and brought order to our mess and our department was quickly redirected.”